We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites. For settings and more information about cookies, view our Cookie Policy. By clicking “I accept” on this banner or using our site, you consent to the use of cookies.

Are Facebook and Twitter encouraging self-censorship?

Facebook. The social media site where people from all walks of life can openly express their thoughts and opinions, catch up with the latest news and gossip, communicate with friends, make new friends and reunite with old ones. With over 1 billion users, Facebook’s objective is to bring together an open and connected online society.

But is it actually achieving this?

Apparently not, according to a study “Social Media and the ‘Spiral of Silence’ carried out by American think tank Pew Research, who found that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter could actually encourage self-censorship.

“Self-Censorship: The exercising of control over what one says and does, especially to avoid criticism”

Self-censorship is more commonly associated with countries whose governments heavily monitor and control what internet users post online, forcing them to self-censor. This is particularly rife in countries such as Singapore and in China where media organizations who do not abide by Chinese rules can be closed down.

The Edward Snowden NSA revelations caused worldwide concern as the US government's ability to spy on internet users was revealed prompting millions of people to take action and beef up security on their devices.

The study by Pew Research indicates that whilst people are very concerned about the NSA leaks, they aren’t comfortable with airing their opinions about the agency on Facebook. 86 per cent of Americans surveyed said they were happy to discuss it in person, but only 42 percent of Twitter and Facebook users would post it online.

Keith Hampton, a communications professor at Rutgers University who helped with the survey, said “People do not tend to be using social media for this type of important discussion. And if anything, it may actually be removing conversation from the public sphere.”

“Debate:A discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something”

We loved to be liked. It's true

Facebook users want as many ‘likes’ and shares as possible and Twitter users long to see their tweet retweeted umpteen times. We want to be accepted in the social media world, not vilified, which explains why so many users prefer to keep their lips sealed when it comes to controversial issues rather than debate them. I suspect you have read friends’ posts and have disagreed with them several times but have refrained from adding your comment in fear of upsetting or angering them. Of course, most people are more than happy to ‘like’ and comment on images of kittens, and the ice-bucket challenge as these types of posts pose no threat.

Lee Rainie, the director of the Pew Research Center Internet project, told the Daily Mail ‘A society where people aren’t able to share their opinions openly and gain from understanding alternative perspectives is a polarised society.’

And that is a shame. We should be able to voice our opinions, freedom of expression is something we should embrace, not shy away from. We shouldn’t fear the wrath of friends or others who do not agree with our views. If they are friends, surely they should accept your point of view? Those in countries such as China and North Korea are not given a choice, self-censorship is enforced by their governments. We do have a choice - maybe it’s time we embraced it.

Many internet users are still concerned that their browsing activity is monitored by their government, their ISP or other third parties. Fortunately, there is a way that you can remain anonymous online, and that’s by using a VPN (virtual private network.) When you connect to an HMA! Pro VPN server you are assigned one of our IP address your data is encrypted, giving you total privacy online that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. You can use our VPN your iPhone, Mac, PC and Android. For more information, please visit our website.

Are we becoming a nation of sheeple - happy to follow the masses? Do you avoid commenting on sensitive or controversial topics on Facebook or Twitter? Let me know your thoughts by posting on our blog… or Twitter or Facebook!